26# Back Home

The forest gave way to a path of carved stone, and Clint walked in silence alongside Gareth. Morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting golden patches along the trail. Gareth's wounds still bled, but he pushed forward — driven more by willpower than by physical strength. Step by step, Clint kept his eyes on the horizon, where the towering spires of the Ravenhart estate finally began to rise.

As they neared the main gates, something unexpected happened. Without Clint uttering a word, the massive iron doors began to creak open. Emblazoned across their surface was the high-relief crest of the Ravenhart family: a silver-winged raven, wings spread wide — the symbol of silent death and watchful dominion.

Two guards clad in black cloaks with silver embroidery stood at attention. As soon as they saw Clint, they bowed simultaneously.

— **"Welcome back, Young Master."**

Clint gave a subtle nod. Though he had been expecting it, the formality of the greeting still unsettled him. Being called "Young Master" was not something one got used to — especially for someone who once lived in filth and shadow.

An older guard stepped forward.

— "The Duke is expecting you in his study."

Clint offered a short "thank you" and continued walking, passing through the gates like a man returning to the home that was now undeniably his.

Gareth, still catching his breath, stared in disbelief. The pristine gardens, the statues of legendary warriors, the embroidered banners fluttering in the wind — it all felt like another world compared to the chaos of the forest they had emerged from.

— "I thought the Duke's son had been killed..." Gareth muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Clint kept walking but answered without turning.

— "Long story. I'll tell you someday."

Gareth didn't understand, but he didn't press the matter. He knew one thing for certain — he owed his life to this boy. And whatever strength he carried, it was far beyond his years.

As they crossed the central courtyard, Clint turned to him.

— "You need treatment. Now." He nodded toward the eastern wing. — "Come."

They made their way to the estate infirmary — a clean, spacious room filled with soft light from tall windows, shelves of elixirs, and rows of prepared beds. A healer saw them enter and immediately approached.

Clint gestured to Gareth.

— "Take care of him. He's an ally."

There were no questions asked. Two assistants moved quickly to support Gareth. Before being taken away, Gareth turned his head and whispered:

— "Thank you, my lord."

Clint gave a short nod but said nothing more as he turned and walked away.

He moved with confidence through the wide halls of the mansion. Stained-glass murals depicted the conquests of past generations. Suits of armor lined the walls like silent sentinels. Every inch of the estate radiated power — and now, Clint was part of it.

He climbed the stairs to the second floor, walked down a long corridor, and stopped in front of the Duke's study. The tall blackwood door was slightly ajar, as if awaiting his presence. Just as he approached, the familiar voice of Leonard called out.

— "Enter."

Clint stepped in.

Leonard was seated behind his desk, surrounded by stacks of letters and documents. He looked up immediately, eyes sharp.

— "Still alive. That's a relief," he said, his voice laced with dry sarcasm.

Clint didn't smile. He stepped forward in silence and stood before the desk.

— "Darius left at dawn yesterday," he said. "He said he had taught me all he could for now… and asked me to deliver his words: 'Don't die before our reunion, Leonard.

.'"

The Duke raised an eyebrow. For a moment, the stern glint in his gaze softened, replaced with something closer to pride.

— "Typical Darius. Always blunt."

There was a pause. Leonard stood and walked to the window, looking out over the gardens.

— "And you… Have you figured out who you are now?"

Clint stood still.

— "I'm starting to."

Leonard glanced over his shoulder.

— "This world shows no mercy to the weak. You saw that in the forest. You'll see it again in the royal court."

— "You're preparing me for the court?" Clint asked.

— "I'm preparing you to inherit the Ravenhart name," Leonard replied firmly. "Soon, there will be a banquet. That night, I'll introduce you as my illegitimate son."

Clint remained silent for a second.

— "Bastard?"

— "Better than a street rat," the Duke said plainly. "The nobility wouldn't accept a boy plucked from the gutters. But if they believe you carry my blood..."

Leonard turned to face him directly, arms crossed.

— "Can you wear the mask?"

Clint took a deep breath.

— "If it gets me what I want… yes."

Leonard nodded, satisfied.

— "Get yourself ready. You've got just a few days to look the part. Because after that… the world will know that the Ravenhart name stands tall again."